Newcastle Jets

Last season: 8th

This Season: 10th

The Jets received the unwanted wooden spoon award following a wretched run of six straight defeats at the end of the campaign.

Head coach Mark Jones, who was only appointed in September, paid the price last month, after watching his side concede 16 goals without reply in the final five games of the season.

It has now been nine years since the Jets last finished inside the top six and tasted finals football.

Highlight

The Jets started the season with a bang, hammering an undercooked Brisbane Roar side 4-0 in Round Two.

The hosts dominated for large spells at the McDonald Jones Stadium, as goals from Nigel Boogaard, Steven Ugarkovic and Devante Clut followed an own goal from Brisbane’s Jack Hingert.

An energetic and efficient performance gave Newcastle fans hope in the early stages of the season, as the Hunter outfit took five points from their first three fixtures.

Lowlight

A 5-0 drubbing away at Wellington Pheonix came in the thick of an end of season collapse.

Following a 4-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory in Round 23, the Jets were once again outplayed by an understrength Wellington side in New Zealand.

First half goals from Kosta Barbarouses and Gui Finkler put the hosts in control before half time.

Matthew Ridenton and Roly Bonevacia also found the net, either side of an own goal from Jason Hoffman.

Star Player

Andrew Nabbout

The tricky winger hit a purple patch midway through the season, scoring six goals in seven games between rounds 11 and 17.

Like his teammates, the 24-year-old’s form dipped towards the end of the season, as defenders began to realise the Aussie’s talents.

Nabbout finished the season with eight goals, which was more than any other Newcastle player, and he is likely to be a key asset next campaign.